A meeting of the National Assembly’s special committee, led by Nafisa Shah, took place yesterday. The focus was on integrating women into the national mainstream. During the session, the committee announced that Allama Iqbal Open University and Virtual University students would now benefit from the government’s free laptop scheme.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), provided valuable insights. He discussed the progress of female student representation in universities. In 2002, when the HEC was founded, female students made up 37% of the university population. Today, that number has grown to 48%, with male students at 52%. This represents a significant increase in female participation in higher education.
Dr. Ahmed also addressed the importance of implementing anti-harassment policies in universities. He discussed the harassment scandal at Islamia University Bahawalpur. He acknowledged the seriousness of the issue but noted that social media exaggerated the situation. Dr. Ahmed assured the committee that a thorough investigation had taken place. Disciplinary actions followed, including the dismissal of several individuals and the imprisonment of some.
Additionally, Mohiuddin Wani, Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, shared an exciting development. He highlighted the success of an AI-powered paper generation project in Islamabad. This innovative initiative marks a significant milestone in education technology, demonstrating how AI can improve administrative and academic processes in educational institutions.
The Free laptop scheme initiative, alongside these advancements, showcases the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education. With these efforts, the government aims to support students and improve access to technology, ultimately bridging the digital divide. These steps will foster a more inclusive educational environment and further encourage female participation in higher education.
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